Swallowing Stormclouds

Chapter 1

I rested my forehead against the glass of the train window, the vibrating motions ricocheting my head against the cold glass. It was a lonely and secluded ride, but the solitude bought me some peace. It was already two terms into the fifth year and due to this students had already settled in. The reasons as to why I was starting so late was rather difficult for me to focus on for longer than a minute at a time, yet it was all that plagued my mind.

Most recently I had been living with my Godfather, unfortunately as he was not my legal guardian and when word got to the ministry of magic regarding my new living arrangements. I had been informed to attend Hogwarts until a proper guardian could be located. So far Remus, my Godfather has been appealing for just that, but the legal process is long winded and as he is a single wizard and not to mention a known werewolf, well, I was skeptical. But I am trying to be optimistic, not only for my sake but for Remus as well, I could  see how distraught the thought of losing me made him feel and that feeling alone was enough to fill me with guilt.

Once I had managed to descend onto the platform I was met by a slightly withered old man, a lengthy grey beard drifting in the slight breeze. But before me there was no senile old man, I could feel the power emanating off of him, his aura glowed with strength and power and I had to take a step back not to feel intimidated by his presence. This must be Dumbledore. "Ah, Aria dear, so glad to see you arrived safely." He said warmly. I Return him a warm smile and patiently wait for his instructions.

"I understand this is your first year here and that you have been home-schooled for the better part of your life. In the tradition of first years I thought it appropriate to reach the castle via the boat." I had of course read everything about Hogwarts, in 'Hogwarts A History' as I had always desired to attend, it was only due to mothers wishes that I had not been. The glee must have been evident on my face because Dumbledore chuckled and led me to a battered old rickety dock.

The boat ride itself was magnificent, the water oozed a sense of cool and collected authority, a mass body of water that demanded respect. The water rippled as I disturbed it's surface with my journey and the tiny cascades of water distracted me from the feeling of dread that was slowly creeping it's way into my body. Up above me the castle was already lit up in all of its glory, all the tiny widows resembled distant stars in a brightly lit sky. As the castle loomed closer and closer my heart race seemed to speed up until the feeling was suffocating. Once we had safely docked on the other side of the great lake we made the slow walk up to the castle.

The castle grounds themselves were littered with students of varying uniforms, the mere thought of being placed under the sorting hat sent chills down my spine. I really was going to be part of all this. Dumbledore didn't say much more whilst on our walk and instead hummed to himself seeming to be enjoying the stroll through his school grounds. We approached a stone gargoyle, Dumbledore stepped under its concrete wing and uttered the words "lemon sherbet." He ushered for me to follow him. I did accordingly and stood still as the spiraling staircase elevated us to another floor.

This floor smelled like old books and earth. It was an intriguing smell but I didn't dwell, instead there were voices to focus on. "Harry dear, she will come to understand, trust a wise adult here." Was all I managed to catch of a distant conversation before Dumbledore reached for the door and pushed it open with a sense of clear authority.

"Ah, professor McGonagall, Aria has arrived."

Smiling at me warmly professor McGonagall ushers me to sit, I do so next to another boy. He was pale with a round face and disheveled looking black hair and wore round spectacles. He only smiled weakly before turning back to the professor, the ends of his ears turning pink. "I am Professor McGonagall as you have already gathered, I will be your head of house."

"Um, sorry to interrupt, but I haven't been sorted yet?" both the headmaster and professor exchanged a look before turning their attention back to me.

"Aria... due to the unforeseen circumstances that have befallen you in the last few month we believe it would be befitting of you to be part of Gryffindor. You have already proven your bravery and resilience simply by sitting before us today. It is in both of our interests that you reside within this house." Feeling deflated I simply nod, who am I to argue with the headmaster?

"Yes as I was saying, I am the head of your house and it is important that you understand that you may always come to me for anything." I nodded to show my compliance and she carries on. "This here is Mr Potter." Gesturing to the boy next to me with one extended arm. "I am assuming you are already aware of who this is." McGonagall inquired.

I simply nodded my head slightly. "Mother for the most part kept me sheltered from the wizarding world. She told me it wasn't safe to get too involved, I know a little." A look of understanding washed over both of the adults faces. "Nice to meet you." I said, turning to my side and shaking the boy's hand who after a moment seemed to register the simple gesture. As if in a daze he smiled and returned the pleasantries.

"I have introduced him to you as I have assigned him as your guide whilst you settle in, I trust that's not an issue?" I shake my head in compliance and for a while we remained in the office going over school rules and other expectations of the students. Once we were excused I followed Harry out of Dumbledore's office, a little saddened that I did not get to peruse it's many interesting collectables.

"So I'll show you to our common room. I already know you'll be sharing a dorm with Hermione, she's a close friend of mine, I know you'll get along, she's lovely, a bit annoying with her smart alec ways, but in a loveable way." he chuckles. I couldnt help but smile at the way he talked about his friends, with such devotion and care. I nodded and allowed him to guide me to what was to be my new home. As we turned a corner our walk came to a halt and I went crashing into Harry. "What are you lot doing here, I thought you were going to wait up in the common room." Harry said, a tone of annoyance evident.

"Sorry mate, we got bored of waiting... and we got kind of curious." A middle sized ginger boy spoke up, next to him were three more ginger people, a set of Twins and a young girl. To throw a bit of colour into the mix a brunette girl also stood amongst them, smiling sheepishly.

Rolling his eyes Harry turns to me. "You should get use to this lot, you can't really live with them, but you can't live without them either." He laughed at his own humour, the others joined him and proceeded to introduce themselves.

"Ginny."

"Ron."

"Hermione." They all stepped forward shaking my hand.

"This one here is Fred."

"and that one there is George." The two twins said in synchronisation as they both grabbed a hand and kissed the back. Stifling a laugh I take a step back and see Harry shooting the duo a look of pure annoyance.